Continuing with our pre-coverage of the fall season, this week we are taking a look at a color that has been duly coronated as a must-have in the months to come. We are not talking about blue, brown, or even gray; those should already have a slot in your fall rotation. The color of note is none other than purple — yes, purple. And not just your standard fare purple either; we’re talking lavender, mulberry, plum, prune, violet — well, you get the picture. Purple can be as somber as your darkest blue, or it can be as soft as your lightest pink. All of which make this the designated utility color that needs to be in your closet right now. Here is how you can incorporate this ubiquitous shade in your dress with unfazed aplomb.
For decades, it has long been established that the gentleman’s go-to colors for suiting purposes are either navy or gray. The only variable, besides its pattern, is the intensity of the aforementioned hues. It could be a deep midnight navy, or it could be a dark charcoal gray. Now, if you desire a modicum of fashion flexibility, a well-cut sport coat can grant license for free experimentation with color — like purple. Emboldened by a rich shade of plum, this sort of jacket easily owns the evening as a smart piece of elegance.Gent Hint: Resist the urge of making this jacket too formal, skip the necktie and opt for contrasting pocket square instead in lavender, pink, or green — it works.
RS by Santorelli Windowpane Blazer, $495
Donning a purple dress shirt is certainly not the daunting mission that you would rightly assume. To accomplish its proper execution, a gentleman should abide by two key rules: keep the color relatively light and the pattern firmly subdued. Both actions will grant the capability of a seamless coordination between suit jacket, necktie, and pocket square.
Thomas Pink Day Stripe Shirt, $160
Polka dot neckties are trending heavily this autumn, so a few carefully curated pieces on reserve will surely keep your presentation remarkably current and unmistakably classic. And if sartorial ostentation, as in big voluptuous polka dots, is in direct conflict with your personality, try a quiet pin dot — it functions just as a solid necktie would.
Saks Fifth Avenue Pindot Necktie, $88
We trust that you currently have a V-neck sweater, preferably made of insanely soft cashmere, in your possession for the fall season. And if said insanely soft cashmere sweater is not tucked away in a dresser drawer somewhere, we humbly suggest investing in one. And by the way, purple is now your new black. Now, we are not advising you jettison your preexisting stock of black sweaters; what we are suggesting is you make room for another darker shade that exhibits more charisma and personality.
Brooks Brothers Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, 398
Trusting that you have blessed your dress shirt collection with a few select double barrel cuffs, move beyond the customary gold or silver, show a glint of color with your links. Every gent should have a few cuff links on hand to tackle any occasion. Besides, sometimes you just have to make a statement. Here, the distinguished, signature Burberry check denotes that you are a gentleman of taste and class.
Burberry Check Square Cuff Links, $165
Colored shoelaces have enjoyed immense popularity this year, and the trend has exhibited no signs of slowing down. Therefore, take advantage of its continuing flavor and snatch a set while they are still hot. Gent Hint: Purple shoelaces complement light brown to deep chocolate oxfords perfectly.
Paul Smith Dark Purple Shoelaces, $7
Soon enough, a gentleman will not be able attack the pavement in oxfords alone. Soon, a boot will need to be recruited as a primary selection of footwear. Given that fact, switch up the script and rock a purple pair. Gent Hint: The brilliant intensity of the oxblood color correlates extremely well with charcoal or navy trousers. Go ahead and try it.
Mr. Hare Freud Textured Panel Leather Boots, $885
via UptownMagazine.com
